After 25 years, Holton marching band thinks it's time for new uniforms

Members of the Holton High School marching band have been wearing the same uniforms for 25 years. Now they're hoping the community will help raise $3,500 for new ones.Courtesy photo

HOLTON, MI -- The year was 1988 and the first President George Bush was elected, “The Rain Man” was a box office hit, it seemed everyone was singing “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” -- and the Holton High School band proudly marched onto the football field in new uniforms.

Fast forward 25 years and band members are marching in the same red and black uniforms that their parents may have worn. Uniforms that have been passed from player to player are looking, well, a little worn.

“They’re kind of falling apart a little bit,” said Holton High School Principal Adam Bayne.

HOW TO HELP

• For information on purchasing Holton apparel and other spirit items as
part of the Holton Swag fundraiser, call Gretchen Thompson at (231)
821-1725 or email her at gthompson@holton.k12.mi.us. The sale ends Jan. 22.

• To donate directly to the uniform fund, make check out to Holton Public Schools, put "band uniforms" in the memo line and send it to Holton High School, 6477 Syers Road, Holton 49425.

• For more information, check out the Holton Public Schools Facebook page.

The trouble is the rural school district can’t muster $3,500 in its budget to pay for new uniforms. So, the marching band is launching a fundraiser to buy 20 pairs of pants and jackets and plumes for their shakos, otherwise known as hats.

The band department is hoping its fans are seeking a little “Holton Swag” – the name of the fundraiser that is selling Holton T-shirts, jackets, hats and other items.

It’s band director Gretchen Thompson’s hope to have the marching band looking spiffy in new uniforms in time for the next football season.

“Like so many districts, our budget is really tight,” Bayne said. “Unfortunately some of our noncurriculum programs are really struggling to maintain funding to keep going.

“Even though new uniforms is not an overly important thing, it is a matter of pride. “